Thanks for the reviews! I'm positive everyone's screaming their heads off as to why Len answered "yes".
Well, I won't keep you from the chapter! Enjoy!
***I used japanese somewhere since it seemed more formal****
Disclaimer: I don't own La Corda D'oro
As You Wish, Ojou-sama
Chapter 8
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"Do you love her?"
Len froze for a second.
He looked at his Mistress in the eyes and knew that she was serious. But what did she mean by that? As a friend? As a sister? What? While he was thinking it through, he could see that she was becoming a bit restless. And so he answered her without thinking twice of what she will think about his answer.
"Yes."
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Kahoko looked at Len, with shock registering on her face. She didn't know what to say. So Len...is in love with Mori...his childhood friend...
"Ojou-sama..."
"Why..." Kahoko said, hurt evident in her tone. She didn't meet his eyes as she stood up.
Len stood up too when she did, as butler reflexes kicked in. He stayed silent, urging her to continue.
"Why did you make that promise, then? When we were small? Why did you have to promise to stay by my side when you already have someone to be with? You were lying the whole time weren't you? You were just pulling my leg!"
Len's expression slightly changed to a glare as he clenched his hands to his side, "Is that what it meant for you? A mere joke?"
Kahoko took a step back seeing him glare. She was tongue-tied, she didn't know what to answer.
Len shook his head in disbelief. "Would I really endure everything? Endure every pain, every hardship, just to protect someone who doesn't mean a thing to me?" He took a step forward, "You don't know me."
His last words felt like a slap on her face as she flinched. Was he accusing her of being a know-it-all? Kahoko's stubborn and arrogant nature finally won. She refused to back down. She glared back at him.
"You just said it yourself. You love her!"
"And that's the truth. She's my childhood friend. She's the one who had understood me all through out my childhood. No one could understand me better than she can."
Kahoko felt a stab of pain near her heart as he said that. There it was again. The affection on his face. Didn't he realize that? "A childhood friend? She's more than that, isn't she? I'm not stupid, Len!"
Len's eyes narrowed, "Then you think you know everything?"
Kahoko bit her bottom lip as his earlier words rang in her head. You don't know me.
Throughout the years, for more than nine years, they'd been together. It's true, she thought she knew all there was to know about him. But she just recently knew that he played the violin, she just realized that he had a life outside of this mansion—away from her. There were so many things she didn't know. Could it be that she didn't know the real Len at all?
"Then..." she said, looking at him with eyes half-scared.
Len couldn't help but unclench his fists seeing her like that. Like a scared ten-year-old. And no matter how angry he is at her...he has no right to...
"What am I to you?" Kahoko asked softly. Her heart was beating so fast. She was scared of what his answer might be.
Her heart raised further, if that was possible, when Len's face became gentle. He shook his head, as if he was admitting defeat. "Really." he sighed. "Only someone like you needs so much reassurance. It's obvious isn't it? That you—"
"Are his Mistress."
Kahoko jumped in surprise while Len froze. Shuuri smiled as she emerged from the hallways' corner. Kahoko immediately wiped away her tears as Shuuri walked towards then.
"Isn't that what you were going to say?" Shuuri asked, once she stood beside Len.
Len stood rigid. Unable to talk. "Don't ask such obvious questions, Kaho dear." Shuuri said, looking at her daughter, "Len knows his place."
"Mother," Kahoko began to protest.
Shuuri looked at her daughter strictly, "I'm sure, that is what he was meaning to tell you. Isn't that right?" she asked, looking at Len.
Len met her eyes stifly, and then nodded, "Hai,"
"Good," Shuuri said, "Well then, entertain my guest for me while I talk to Kaho for a while." she said, referring to Mori, "She's still in the courtyard, sitting by the fountain." She said, clearly dismissing him
"Mother," Kahoko said again, this time it came out as a whine. She didn't like the thought of having Len and Mori being left alone.
"Come." Shuuri said in a hard voice as she started walking. Kahoko wanted to protest again but her Mother's voice made it clear that she will not tolerate it.
Kahoko glanced at Len, seeing him still frozen, staring at the ground. It had hurt when he agreed with what her mother had said. Was that really all there was to their relationship? Just a master-servant? She knew that it wasn't true. And she knew, by the way that Len is acting, that it wasn't the truth at all. Her father's words echoed in her head.
Trust Len.
And so she will. Even though she wasn't still clear about his relationship with Mori, or what she really means to him, she'll just trust him. Trust that he wasn't just playing with her feelings...
She gave him one last look before turning around to follow her mother.
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Mori sat by the fountain's edge, watching the ripples in the water. She also held Len's violin by her lap. It had been the same one she had given him a few months before she last saw him. She had known that Len would be leaving, and so she gave him a violin that was for him to use when he outgrew his old one.
She smiled sadly at the memory.
What is she still doing here? For the past few minutes, she thought she had decided to do everything not to lose. But her thoughts changed again into a coward's. She didn't want what she was thinking at all. She told Ryoutaro that she didn't want to play the bad guy. She made it clear.
But just remembering how Len left her to run after Kahoko...it hurt.
She's torn between wanting Len to stay by her side, or letting go of him. She'd seen this scene way too many times already, and there's a hundred percent chance that Len won't belong to her in the end. Using tricks to get him will only stain their friendship, which had been weakened because of years' separation.
Mori bit her bottom lip, thinking of what to do.
Then she suddenly saw Len's reflection on the water. She turned around and saw him standing in front of her, his expression unreadable.
"Len," she said in a soft voice.
Len looked at her and gave her a half-smile. He sat down when Mori motioned the space beside her.
"It's her, isn't it?" Mori said softly, her gaze shifting back to the ripples in the water.
Len slightly jumped in surprise. But seeing her soft expression, her hair mildly covering her eyes, he knew that it had been obvious to her. "Sorry," was all he could think of to tell her.
Mori gave a small smile, still not looking at him, "When I saw her and met her a while ago, I knew. I knew that you'd have fallen for her. But somewhere, somewhere deep inside, I didn't want to believe it." She stopped talking, afraid that she'll start crying.
"Mori..."
Mori absentmindedly stroke Len's violin. She took it from her lap and gently gave it to him. "At least you haven't completely forgotten me." she murmured as he took it.
Len looked at her, his eyes were serious. He slowly reached out and touched her cheek, "Sorry," he said once again.
A few tears escaped her eyes when he repeated it again. Mori brought her hand on his, which was resting on her cheek. "Why?" she asked, "Why does it have to be her? Why did you have to leave? If you didn't, you wouldn't be meeting her in the first place!"
"Shh," he murmured, catching her tears.
Mori shook her head, "And why," she said, trying to get a steady look at him despite her tears, "Why do you have to be like this? Why do you still feel like the old Len when you're...so different now. Why do you still treat me the same way?"
"Because I'm still the same," he said in a soft voice, "Maybe I've changed in some ways, but I'm still the same person you've been spending time with years ago."
"But he's gone now. He's out of my reach. He will never, never...smile that smile that's only meant for me..." she said, pulling his hand down with hers.
Len stayed silent, studying her face. Is this his decision then? Will he be staying by Kahoko's side? Maybe it was good punishment. Punishment for hurting Mori. He'll be able to stay by the side of the one he loves, but will never be able to be entirely be with her...
"No."
His thoughts were interrupted when Mori suddenly spoke. He saw that her expression turned serious, though a few tears were still flowing. "No." she repeated.
Len looked at her with a confused expression.
"I can see it." Mori said, "Your decision. It's not the right choice."
"Mori,"
"I know you, Len. Forget about me. Forget about this. I told you, I knew that you fell for her," she said softly, "I've come to accept it. Even if it hurts...so much..." she trailed off for a moment, wiping her tears again before continuing, "If you want some retribution, then be happy."
Len ran his fingers through his air as he saw the sincerity in her eyes.
"Don't sway from this, Len. If you want to be with her, really be with her, then do what you can. If you don't, I...I won't be able to let go of you."
Len shook his head gently, "Even if I want to, I won't be able to. I'm just her servant, I—"
"Come home."
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"Mother! It was rude to interrupt someone! Didn't you teach me that?" Kahoko demanded as soon as her mother closed the door to her room.
"It's also rude to shout at me. And also, to suddenly leave a guest." Shuuri said calmly, walking towards Kahoko's windows.
Kahoko stopped at that. Reminding her of Mori. Len would be with her right now if he followed her mother's orders.
"You're already engaged to Ryoutaro, so act accordingly."
"I didn't decided that!"
"Ara, what does that mean?" Shuuri said, catching Kahoko's eyes.
Kahoko stiffened as she realized what she had just said. Oh no. "I..." Kahoko fumbled.
"I told Len this, I'll tell you this too. Know your place."
"But Len isn't of low status in the first place!"
Shuuri slightly glared at her daughter as she leaned on the window, she looked outside for a few minutes before looking at her daughter again. "Everyone knows about the Tsukimori tradition. It's shameful to fall in love with your servant. Len had been your servant for the past years, and that is how you have come to know him. It's impossible to suddenly develop feelings for him knowing he's not of low status in the first place."
Kahoko stared at her mother with a rebellious air. Shuuri met it with her superior one.
"Ryoutaro is much suited for you. You don't know anything much about the world, I'm sure he'll take a good care of you."
"I am not agreeing to this." Kahoko said.
"You don't have to." her eyes was threatening Kahoko to defy her.
Kahoko swallowed for a split second before answering back, "You're forcing me to be with someone I don't even love?"
"It doesn't matter what you want." Shuuri said nonchalantly, "The future of this household is. Or are you telling me that you'll sacrifice everything we're worked hard for and stain our reputation just for a lost love?"
"It's not lost love!"
"Then, are you sure Len feels the same way you do?"
"He—!" Kahoko stopped abruptly. What was she going to say? He feels the same way? That would be lying. She hadn't heard the truth from him yet.
"See?" Shuuri said triumphantly.
"If you didn't interrupt him I would've known the truth!"
"The truth? He told you already."
"It's because you used your authority! If you would let him say it honestly—"
"Then what? Because from what I can see from up here, it's most likely that he was telling the truth."
"What?" Kahoko rushed towards the window from where her mother stood.
"Over there," Shuuri said, gesturing towards a direction. From here they could see the fountain. They spotted Mori and Len together, they were laughing as Mori tried to get Len's bow away from his reach.
"They're just enjoying themselves." Kahoko said, though a she felt a stab in her chest. "There's—"
Kahoko stopped talking and breathing altogether. She saw Len lean towards her as he tried to reach for his bow. Then, realizing how close they were, he looked at Mori and...they kissed.
"They suite each other quite well." Shuuri said with satisfaction. She looked at her daughter's fallen expression. She shook her head. Her daughter will have to learn it the hard way after all. But, she wondered, how did that girl make that happen. It was beyond her expectation. That just only means that the young lad didn't have strong feelings for her daughter.
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"Mori," Len said warningly, though at the same time he was unsure. She had suddenly jerked his leg which caused him to lose his balance for a moment, and thus the result. Something about the smug way she looked made him think that she did it intentionally.
Mori stuck her tongue out at him, "Punishment." she said.
"If someone saw that—"
"Don't worry, no one's near." she said, touching her ear, "Absolute hearing." she grinned, "Well, it's worth it. Since I can't have you, this will be a happy memory." she laughed.
"Really." he sighed, shaking his head.
"Anyway," Mori said, standing up, "You've decided, right?" she looked at him, frowning.
Len nodded, eyes turned serious. "It's for the best."
Mori smiled a small smile, a hint of sadness evident. "I love you. You know that right." Len looked at her seriously and nodded. This time, she smiled fully, "Then that's okay with me."
"You don't have to be happy for me." Len said quietly. "You can hate me. I'll understand."
Mori look at him with surprise, "You're asking for the impossible." Mori said, "It's enough. Having it confirmed that you know about my feelings. Hating you...that'll be the hardest thing I'll ever do. I'll admit that I've been jealous, still am. But it's fine now." Mori looked up at the clear blue sky.
"You're stronger now," Len observed.
Mori nodded, "You have no idea how much I had to go through. I was hoping to be your equal when you return." she said, looking at him with a fond smile.
Len chuckled, "You can never be my equal."
"Will it ever happen?" Mori asked.
"What?"
"One day when we can stand on the stage together. Performing. It had been our dream when we were kids."
Len smiled at the memory, "Someday."
"Someday." Mori agreed.
"Mori."
Len and Mori looked ahead and saw Ryoutaro standing just by the entrance of the garden. Mori stood up with understanding, "It's time."
"It's time?" Len echoed, then he noticed Ryoutaro, "Do you know each other?" he asked Mori while he glaring at him.
Mori nodded, "He's my classmate when I studied in Vienna for a while."
Len's eyes narrowed, "Mori, you—" he stopped when he saw the slight shake of her head.
Ryoutaro didn't notice the small exchange as he took a step forward, "Sorry to interrupt your moment together." he said, trying to imply something more.
Len shifted his eyes from Mori to glare at Ryoutaro again, "What do you want with her?"
Ryoutaro shrugged indifferently, "Picking her up. Don't have to be jealous."
"Why—"
"Enough." Mori said in a hard voice. "Grow up." she said, looking at Ryoutaro. Then she turned to Len. "I'm suppose to go riding with papa today, I told Ryoutaro that I'd be here and he offered to pick me up in time."
"You told him?" Len said, suspicion in his tone.
Mori slightly shook her head and sighed. Then she said in a low voice, enough for only him to hear. "It's not what you think." Before she walked to Ryoutaro's side.
"Let's go," Mori urged, pulling Ryoutaro by the arm. She looked back at Len one more time before leaving with Ryoutaro in tow.
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Len's eyes narrowed again as Mori left with Ryoutaro.
He trusts Mori, but with Ryoutaro in the picture, there's bound to be something there. He didn't like the fact that they seem to be close to each other, and so, it will be normal for Mori to inform him of his decision, and thus letting Ryoutaro plan a move...
Len was still accessing his suspicious thoughts when his uncle appeared behind him.
"Len," he said.
Len immediately stood up in respect as his uncle walked towards him.
"I was about to tell you that Mori-chan is here, but it seems like you found each other first." he said, he walked towards the fountain and stared at the statue.
"Indeed," Len murmured.
"Do you think the Lady had it all planned?" his uncle asked, chuckling shortly as if he found it humorous.
"Maybe," Len said, though in his thoughts, he was sure that the Lady did have it planned. She will do anything to stop the feelings growing between him and his mistress.
"Have you given my words last time some thought?" he asked, finally meeting Len's eyes.
"I have." Len said with a sure tone.
His uncle stared at Len's eyes for a few more minutes before understanding. He nodded, "Well, let's see where this will lead you from now on." Then he stroke Len's violin which had been laid beside the fountain's edges. "This will bring you far." he murmured.
Len studied his uncle as he stroke his violin with longing in his eyes. He thought it over before asking his uncle, "Don't you ever regret it?"
His uncle shook his head, "No, I never had much potential playing the violin like my younger brother." he said, then he took it and held it in front of Len. "But you, you have potential. Like I said, it will take you far."
Len nodded in understanding. "But will I be worthy?"
His uncle looked confused by his question, but made a guess anyway, "Of her?"
Len nodded.
His uncle chuckled, patting his back. "You always have been. Whether a servant of not. This is a modern time my child. The Lady's just old fashioned."
A smile threatened at the corner of Len's lips, "If the Lady hears you..."
"So be it." he chuckled again, then turned serious, "But remember, no matter what happens, never look back."
Len unconsciously swallowed as he nodded, taking note in his uncle's grave tone. His decision requires sacrifices. Sacrifices that will be embedded into his heart if he wants to be with the one he loves.
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"So?"
"So?" Mori echoed as she and Ryoutaro walked up the stairs of the Hino mansion.
Ryoutaro chuckled, "You know what I mean, so have you convinced him or did you chicken out."
Mori looked at Ryoutaro and stuck her tongue out at him. "Mind your own business."
"He is my business. Well, his decision anyway. It's connected to Kahoko, so it's my business too."
"He..."
Ryoutaro studied her expression and he sighed in defeat. He shook his head. "I knew it, you're too kind for this. You're really willing to let him go without a fight, aren't you?"
He continued to talk in growing frustration when Mori remained silent.
"Well, I'm doing this my own way now. And do not interfere. Our friendship might've gone a long way now, but I'm not going to forgive you easily if—"
"He's coming home." Mori interrupted.
Ryoutaro stopped at his tracks and stared at Mori with widened eyes, "What?"
"He's coming home," she repeated.
His face began to be filled with confusion. Mori was frowning. Isn't it suppose to be good news to her now that Len's going to go back home? Why isn't she happy? Ryoutaro shook his head, "Okay, enough with the joke. You know you're not a good liar."
"He is." Mori insisted.
"Then why aren't you smiling? Shouldn't this be the best news you've ever received? Or are you getting to the guilt mode?"
Mori pouted as she started walking again. She had unconsciously stopped when Ryoutaro had. "I am happy," she murmured.
Ryoutaro caught up to her in no time. "Liar." he said, "If he really is going home..." his eyes narrowed, "Is there something I don't know?"
Mori jumped at the sudden shift of his tone. "No." she immediately said. She bit her lip and then sighed, "It's just that...I...I can't believe it."
"Can't believe what?" he said softly, finally getting why she lacked emotion, "That he chose you?"
"I thought it would take much more...to convince him..." she said in an equally soft voice.
Ryoutaro chuckled and patted the top of her head, "You scared me."
Mori moved away when he patted her head, she playfully glared at him. Arranging a few locks the was disarrayed by his action.
"Happy?" Ryoutaro asked.
This time, Mori broke into a smile. "Yes." when they reached the top of the stairs, Mori happily turned as Ryoutaro chuckled. "Finally," she said, "Len's coming home."
"What?"
Mori and Ryoutaro stopped when they saw Kahoko and her mother just coming out of a room. Kahoko's face was filled with shock and disbelief, while Shuuri had a secretive smile on her lips.
Mori was about to frown again when she forced herself to smile, "Yes." she said, trying to sound so excited, "He's finally coming home!"
"No, that's not true." Kahoko said, taking a few steps towards her.
"He will." Mori said, "He's going to follow his parents' footsteps. Isn't that great Kahoko-san? Len will be at the peak of his career."
Kahoko bit back a few of her tears as she ran past Mori and down the stairs. Mori looked away, catching herself, she looked at Shuuri. Shuuri gave her a satisfactory smile as Ryoutaro ran after Kahoko.
I'm sorry, Kahoko-san. Mori thought. But it's best if we end it like this.
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At the garden, one of Mori and Len's conversation
"Come home." Mori had said.
Len studied her, unable to speak.
"Come home, Len. It's the only way to be with her."
"They'll have more chances to take her away from me if I leave her side." Len said.
Mori shook her head, "Trust me. I..." Mori swallowed, "I'll help you." hurt coloring her words.
Len looked at her with mixed emotions. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want her to get involved anymore.
She closed her eyes for a few seconds and stared him with determined eyes, "I'll help you." she said again. "Please Len, trust me. We can make this work."
"Make what work? Mori, you know—"
"You'll be with her." she said softly, "I guarantee that. But if you want to be with her, there'll be sacrifices. Deception. Doubt. I guarantee that you'll be with her in the end if you trust me. But, there'll be a scar that will be in your heart, and hers."
"How come you sound so confident?" he asked, suspicion in his eyes.
Mori shook her head at Len's stubbornness. "Either you trust me or go on blindly." she said.
Len wanted to protest and say that she hadn't explained much. He has a reason to doubt her, she'll understand, right? It's not easy to suddenly let go of a person you claim to be in love with just because he has someone else he's in love with. Len tried searching her eyes.
"You'll only get hurt more." he finally said.
Mori shook her head, "I've accepted that already."
"If I trust you—"
"I promise."
Len nodded after a sigh. "I'll trust you."
A/N: Review please!
Suspense much? ^^ If any of you are confused, please just note it and I'll explain ^^ Though it's meant this way. :)) Next chappie a lot will happen.